Health

Doctor Kostkina on the Harm of Using a Smartphone

3 min read · 16 September 2026
Illustration for the article “Doctor Kostkina on the Harm of Using a Smartphone”

The Harm of Smartphones in the First Minutes After Waking

General practitioner Elena Kostkina warns that using a smartphone immediately after waking negatively affects the body, especially the nervous and cardiovascular systems. She notes that the abrupt shift from sleep to scrolling through news or work messages creates additional stress, which can worsen health conditions.

Although the phone screen itself does not cause hypertension or heart attacks, accompanying factors such as emotional strain and chronic sleep deprivation significantly increase risks. The doctor emphasizes that the body needs a calm transition from sleep to wakefulness to maintain health.

Consequences of Chronic Stress and Sleep Deprivation

Kostkina explains that the habit of staying in bed with the phone leads to chronic sleep loss, skipping breakfast, and early stress triggered by alarming information. These factors gradually accumulate and harm the cardiovascular system, especially in people with high blood pressure.

According to the physician, morning stress affects overall health and can contribute to the development of serious illnesses. Early morning is a critical time when the body requires restoration and preparation for the day, not additional strain.

Social Networks and Depression Risk

Viewing social networks immediately after waking poses a particular danger. Studies show that this habit more than doubles the likelihood of diagnosed depression. This is linked to emotional burden and comparing oneself to others in the first minutes of the day.

Statistics from recent years record a rise in psychological problems among active social media users who start their mornings with endless news feeds. This underscores the need for a mindful approach to using digital devices early in the day.

Recommendations for a Healthy Start to the Day

Elena Kostkina strongly advises dedicating the first 10-15 minutes after waking solely to oneself. The doctor recommends washing your face, drinking a glass of water, taking a light walk around the room, and opening a window for fresh air. This ritual helps the body transition smoothly into wakefulness and reduces stress.

Only after these simple steps should one safely check messages on the smartphone without harm to mental health and well-being. This approach promotes overall wellness and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Supporting Mental Health Beyond Social Networks

Earlier, psychotherapist Mikhail Otvetchikov advised avoiding social networks immediately after stressful events. His advice complements Kostkina’s recommendations and highlights the importance of gentle care for mental health when interacting with digital technologies.

Applying these guidelines helps better control emotional states and supports a harmonious start to the day, which is especially important in today’s fast-paced life with constant information flow.

Conclusion: Using the phone right after waking increases stress and health risks, so the first minutes of the morning are better spent on calm rituals without gadgets.